The problems faced by special education teachers in science education for mentally handicapped students and their investigation with respect to various variables

In this study, it is aimed to investigate the problems faced by special education teachers in science education for mentally handicapped students in terms of various variables. In this study, survey research method is used. The sample of the study consisted of 102 special education teachers determined according to the accessibility-based approach. In this study, a written-opinon- form consisting of 15 questions was used. The collected data were analyzed descriptively. The findings are given as frequency and percentage according to gender, kind of institution, working year and the place where the institution is located. The findings showed that teachers thought that the science lesson in special education is not given enough importance and they have problems in finding teaching material in this field and in teaching the abstract concepts of science. It is concluded that students' interest in science subjects and concepts are comparatively high and science education provided to mentally handicapped students should be supported with more teacing materials and associated with daily life. Key Words: Special education, special education teacher, science education, science education for mentally handicapped students